RCN CF-140S

[anthonyp]

Here's a 1/72 ESCI F-4S done up for use in the Canadian Navy.  I love F-4's, and Canada needed the ulitmate Naval version for their Navy, hence they got this as opposed to the USCG.

This particular example flies off the HMCS Hudson, an the ex-HMS New Zealand (a Malta class carrier).  The Hudson and the rest of the Malta class received refits in the 50's and 60's to allow modern aircraft to be flown from them, similar to the way the Midway class ships have been refit over the years.  The ex-New Zealand was damaged in late-1979, and it was decided to sell the ship as opposed to repair it.  It was sold to Canada in early 1980, and received a refit in the US prior to entry of service.  It was able to operate non-Spey equipped F-4's after its last refit, and the US offered some of their F-4S's.  These were supplemented by CF-18's in the early 90's, and the CF-140's were finally replaced in RCN service by Rafale M's in 1999.  RCN CF-140's never operated off of the carriers of the Majestic class (US CVV design).

[anthonyp]

Rear view

[retro_seventies]

you're right there anthony - it's the late 70's and canada really needs phantoms.  plenty of range, versatile multi mission capability, and probably as cheap as it gets with the US virtually donating i'm sure.

[John Howling Mouse]

Yeaaaaaaaaah!!  If only!